Photo by Karen Akers
Charleston – It wasn’t long ago Shady Spring head coach Ronnie Olson was chasing the program’s second state tournament appearance.
Now he’s chasing its fifth consecutive berth in the Class AAA title game.
Winners of the 2021 and ’24 Class AAA championships, the Tigers are aiming to cement their status as a dynasty. They certainly have the necessary experience to repeat with the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center essentially serving as a second home.
“We won it when the guys were young and didn’t have any experience,” Olson said. “But my experience as a player in the tournament, I felt like it helped them with the preparation and some of the emotions you’re gonna go through. But our guys know the drill. They know what locker rooms to go to and they know where to go. They know where to walk out, they know where the exit is. That doesn’t mean they’re gonna win games, it doesn’t mean you’re not gonna see an early exit in the first round but experience helps a ton and they know nothing but playing on Saturday and now that brings it down to the freshman who now get to experience that.”
Star guards Jalon Bailey and Jack Williams helped carry the Tigers to a title a year ago in a 58-55 overtime win over Fairmont Senior while Khi Olson and Brody Radford saw meaningful minutes throughout. But Olson will break in two newcomers in freshmen Eli Sexton and Gabe Short. Sexton slotted into the starting lineup midway through the season while Short has stated in spurts, settling in as the sixth man.
Williams leads the team with 17.7 ppg, followed by Bailey at 16.9. Olson’s good for nine a game while Short and Sexton net 6.2 and 7.2, respectively.
The young pups will be counted on to continue to supplement the veterans who have taken the lead.
“I’ve tried to talk to them about just understanding the moment,” Olson said. “I do feel like after a couple possessions you know each game – it’s not gonna go away after the first game. It’s not gonna go away after the second game. Those are good nerves to have as long as they’re struck out after the first couple minutes. But our guys have already talked them through a lot of what’s gonna be expected and what’s gonna happen.
“They’ve gotta be my voice which I was there when they first got here. They’ve kind of walked them through mentally trying to prepare them. Obviously, there’s nothing like walking out on the floor and shaking somebody’s hand. I don’t know everybody’s roster but that’s a lot of impact from two freshman to be on a title-contending team. But you know they’re still gonna have the same roles and they’re gonna still be expected to have the same impact on the team’s winning formula.”
Awaiting No. 2 Shady in the first round of the Class AAA state tournament is No. 7 Robert C. Byrd, a team that’s played a challenging schedule featuring state tournament teams such as Bridgeport, Faimront Senior, Doddridge County and Elkins.
The Tigers and the Eagles will meet on Wednesday at 7:15 in the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
“They play four or five guards and look to go downhill on you,” Olson said of RCB. “They’re quick and can really drive you. They’ll try to wreak havoc with their pressure. They got a decent big and they’re kind of like us in size – not overly big so I feel like we matchup on a guard level. I like our chances. We’ve got to rebound a lot better but they’re kind of like us. They can definitely get in the paint on you and they’ve got a couple of guys that can knock it down.
“They beat a good Fairmont Senior team, played University close and led Bridgeport. They’re a good team. It doesn’t matter who you play in the state tournament in the first round. It’s a sneaky game especially when you’ve got a team as talented as RCB.
